Page updated: 25 Jan 2011
Clinics and appointments
Getting an appointment with a dietitian
There are many reasons why an appointment with a dietitian may be necessary. Below is a list of some of the reasons why you or your child may be referred to see a dietitian -
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Low weight and needing nutrition support
- Raised cholesterol and heart disease
- Food allergy or intolerance including Coeliac Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Most people are referred to see a dietitian by their nurse or doctor; however any health professional you or your child see may make the referral, with your permission.
Once you or your child has been referred we will contact you by post to arrange a clinic appointment. If at this stage you or your child no longer want to be seen, please let us know and we will inform the person who referred you.
You are welcome to bring someone with you to the appointment and an interpreter will be arranged for you where necessary.
What to expect at your appointment
The first appointment will last between 30 and 45 minutes and we will spend time talking about what you eat and agreeing how best we can support you or your child. If necessary we can then see you or your child for a course of sessions so that we can enable you to achieve agreed aims. After your first appointment we will send a letter to your GP or the person who referred you. The next time we write to your referrer is usually when you have been discharged, although sometimes we will inform them of how things are going in between.
Our service provides training for student dietitians and you may be asked whether you consent to being seen by a student in clinic. All students are supervised by an experienced dietitian who will ensure that quality care is provided.
What to do if you can’t make your appointment
Every month, many hours of clinic time are wasted when patients don’t arrive for their appointment, and don’t let us know in advance. Please let us know as soon as possible when you can’t make it, as we may be able to use your slot for another patient. This also helps to keep our waiting times low, as unused clinic slots mean everyone else has to wait longer for an appointment.
Where our clinics take place
We hold clinics in a variety of places across Trafford including local health centres, GP practices, Children’s Centres, and hospitals. We aim to offer you an appointment at the clinic nearest to your home. When you receive an appointment letter it will include full details of where your appointment is. All our clinics are fully accessible.
Dietetic clinics are held at –
- Altrincham General Hospital - Contact number 0161 934 8405
- Partington Health Centre - Contact number 0161 775 1521
- Seymour Grove Health Centre - Contact number 0161 872 5672
- Trafford General Hospital - Contact number 0161 746 2010
Some GPs have their own clinics and you may be seen at the practice. If you need to change your appointment contact the practice on the usual number.